One of the most common questions female travelers ask before visiting the Kingdom is: "What do I actually need to pack?" If you are reading older travel blogs, you might have seen outdated rules stating that all women must wear a black abaya and cover their hair at all times. The good news? The rules have changed significantly. Today, Saudi Arabia is welcoming to international tourists, and the dress code is much more relaxed than it used to be. However, because it is a conservative Muslim country, modesty is still the golden rule. Here is your complete, up-to-date 2026 guide on what to wear in Saudi Arabia.
The Golden Rule: Modesty is Mandatory
While the strict legal requirements for foreign women have been lifted, the cultural expectation of modest dress remains. The general rule of thumb for women in public spaces is simple: cover your shoulders and cover your knees.
What This Means in Practice:
- Clothing should be loose-fitting, not tight or body-hugging.
- Tops should have sleeves (cap sleeves are usually okay, but full sleeves are safer).
- Necklines should not be low-cut or revealing.
- Skirts and dresses should fall below the knee. Maxi dresses and long skirts are perfect.
- Trousers, jeans, and loose leggings are completely acceptable.
Do Foreign Women Need to Wear an Abaya?
The short answer is: NO. Foreign female tourists are no longer legally required to wear an abaya (the long, flowing black cloak) in public places, malls, restaurants, or tourist sites. You can wear your normal, modest Western clothing.
The Big Exception: Madinah
There is one major exception to this rule. When visiting the holy city of Madinah, specifically within the vicinity of the Prophet’s Mosque (Al Masjid an Nabawi), an abaya and a headscarf (hijab) are strictly required for all women. If you are including Madinah in your itinerary, you must pack or buy these items. (Note: Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the holy city of Makkah).
What to Pack: The Ultimate Checklist
Tops & Layers
- 3-4 loose-fitting t-shirts or blouses (avoid sheer fabrics).
- 2-3 lightweight cardigans, kimono jackets, or overshirts (great for layering over tank tops if you get too hot).
- 1 lightweight scarf (essential for Madinah and for covering shoulders in mosques).
Bottoms & Dresses
- 2 pairs of loose trousers, wide-leg pants, or modest jeans.
- 2 maxi dresses or long midi-skirts (breathable fabrics like linen or cotton are best).
Footwear
- Comfortable walking sneakers (you will do a lot of walking in places like AlUla and Al-Balad).
- Comfortable slip-on sandals (you will need to take your shoes off frequently when entering mosques or traditional homes).
Dress Code by City & Vibe
Riyadh: Modern & Conservative
Riyadh is a bustling, modern metropolis. In high-end malls and restaurants, you will see a mix of traditional Saudi dress and modern fashion. Modest Western clothing is perfectly fine, but keep shoulders and knees covered. Smart-casual is the vibe.
Jeddah: Relaxed & Coastal
Jeddah is known for being the most relaxed city in the Kingdom. Along the Red Sea Corniche, the atmosphere is breezy and open. Modest casual wear is the norm, and you will see a wider variety of colors and styles.
AlUla & The Desert: Practical & Adventurous
When exploring the ancient tombs of Hegra or hiking to Elephant Rock, practicality beats fashion. Wear breathable, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to protect from the sun. Long sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat are highly recommended. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are a must for rocky terrain.
Madinah: Strict & Reverent
As mentioned, dress is strictly conservative here. Abaya and hijab are required near the mosque. Even outside the mosque, dressing very modestly out of respect for the holy city is expected.
What NOT to Wear (The Strict Don'ts)
- ❌ Shorts or mini-skirts (even in the height of summer).
- ❌ Tank tops, spaghetti straps, or sleeveless shirts in public.
- ❌ Tight leggings worn as pants (if you wear leggings, ensure you have a long tunic or dress covering your rear and thighs).
- ❌ Low-cut tops or crop tops that show the midriff.
- ❌ Transparent, sheer, or see-through fabrics.
- ❌ Clothing with offensive slogans or inappropriate graphics.
Beach & Resort Wear
If you are staying at a private, luxury beach resort (like those on the Red Sea coast or in NEOM), the rules are much more relaxed. Swimwear, bikinis, and shorts are perfectly acceptable within the private confines of the resort pool or private beach. However, when you leave the resort to go to a public beach, a mall, or a restaurant, you must cover up in your modest everyday clothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to cover my hair as a tourist in Saudi Arabia? +
Can I wear jeans in Saudi Arabia? +
What should I wear to a Saudi wedding or formal event? +
Are there dress code rules inside hotels? +
Continue Planning Your Trip
Now that your suitcase is sorted, it is time to finalize the rest of your logistics. Make sure you check out these essential guides: